Our Dredging Program

We knew what needed to happen: first increase water circulation in the bays so pollutants are flushed out quicker and second, rebuild the threatened Dead Neck.

All of this called for engineering plans, a dredging contractor, and local, state, and federal permits. All of this also called for funds.

The full-time and part-time residents around the bays honorably answered this call to action. More than $1.5 million was raised and more than 400 people became members of Three Bays Preservation, Inc.

With all the necessary permits in hand, dredging in the Cotuit Bay channels began in November 1998. Finally, on January 9, 1999, after placing more than 187,000 cubic yards of sand on Dead Neck Island, the machines quieted. Phase 1 was complete.

During the winter of 1999-2000, the Barnstable County dredge completed the next phase of dredging; this time in the waters of West Bay. More than 16,000 cubic yards of sand were removed from the bottom and again deposited on Dead Neck Island. In the months following, an additional 8,700 cubic yards of material were place on the island.

In January of 2001, another round of dredging successfully transferred more than 15,000 cubic yards of sand in West Bay onto Dead Neck Island. Funded by private donations from our members and the Town of Barnstable, water quality and navigability in the bays has improved and the barrier beach is further stabilized.

Most recently, in January of 2002, Three Bays Preservation, Inc. and the Town of Barnstable removed 9000 cubic yards of sand from the Cotuit entrance channel, thus improving flushing action of the bays. The sand was deposited on Sampson's Island, where two acres of new bird habitat were created.

The Difference

Dead Neck Island, once close to disappearing, has been rebuilt with sand excavated from the channels through our dredging efforts in the past several years. The barrier beach now averages 250 feet wide and the average height is 10 feet. Beach grass has been planted and a snow fence installed to minimize erosion and protect important wildlife habitat.

Water circulation in the bays has improved noticeably as well. As a result, shellfish beds will be healthier, boating will be safer, and our children and grandchildren will be able to swim and play in cleaner water.